Program Design
13. On-Peak versus Off-Peak Savings. Currently, PGC funded programs primarily target overall MWh energy savings through measures that reduce lighting or other base load demands. Should greater emphasis be placed on measures that reduce on-peak demand reduction? If so, this might mean shifting greater emphasis to ventilation and air conditioning energy use, or to programs that raise the price of energy and/or offer controls on the amount of energy used at peak times What types of programs and measures or end users should be targeted for greater attention? How can the Commission motivate program administrators to place more emphasis on measures that reduce peak demand?
14. Flexibility. Both the utilities and the participants agreed that programs need more flexibility in design and funding after they are approved. Flexibility, especially given two-year program cycles, would allow program providers to shift funding to successful programs and/or adjust program designs to better follow the market. What are some ways the Commission could structure program administration to allow for more flexibility? How would such flexibility increase program success and energy savings?
15. Consistency. The majority of participants commented on the need to have a more consistent approach with respect to programs, from incentive offerings to applying for rebates across all program sponsors. Currently there is some uniformity of program offered by the investor-owned utilities (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E), but this does not extend to areas served by municipal utilities and public utility districts (e.g. SMUD, LADWP, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley Power, and valley irrigation districts). How can California offer more consistent programs? Does the current program structure meet these demands? What could be improved?
16. Meeting Customer Needs. How well have recent programs met customer needs? What should State decision-makers, and/or program administrators (whether utilities or non-utility organizations) do to ensure that efficiency programs BEST meet the needs of energy users? Are there special kinds of programs needed to better meet the needs of particular end users, such as small businesses, government organizations, lower income consumers, affordable housing developers, hospitals, and/or those speaking other languages than English?
17. Program Process. The CPUC used a Request for Proposal ("RFP") process in 2003 (for all program administrators) and in 2002 (for non-utility programs) to invite new ideas and competition for the best efficiency programs to be funded by ratepayers. Is the RFP process a good approach to continue? If so, how can the RFP process for program proposals from both utilities and third parties be improved? If not, what would be a better way for the State to determine how to spend efficiency funding? Should there be a standard contract developed for program administrators to use in working with partners and program implementers?
